Muslin, canvas, and even virtual backgrounds created entirely from your imagination
and your computer can help turn a typical portrait into an eye-catching keepsake.

For additional visual interest, add a special prop or clothing to make your
photographs even more compelling.

Read on for some of today's most popular products from 3-D and digital backdrop
and prop manufacturers—along with testimonials from photographers who
know the value of tapping into the rich selection of creative options available
for various project budgets.

Someday her prince may come—albeit in the form of a reptilian prop. The
new Frog Prince from American Photographic Resources is crafted of lightweight
resin and arrives complete with royal pillow and crown, to add a little bit
of fairy-tale fantasy to your portraits.

“Our studio wants to focus on creating images without the burden of researching
the latest props, backgrounds, and add-on sale items. APR has simplified our
lives by keeping us attuned to what's new and helping us grow our business
and expand our creativity at an economical price. For example, we created a
Frog Prince Fairy Tale set using APR’s mushrooms, plexiglass, sugarplum
outfits, stumps, and Frog Prince. Adored by our clients, this set has been
a tremendous success, generating additional demand for our photographic services.
When we use APR’s props and backgrounds, we know they will last, they’re
easy to set up, and we will love how the colors scream through in our images.
APR always provides us with great products, prices, and service. They've truly
been a key part of our success!”—Jodi Hartman

Backdrop Outlet has released its new Abstract Muslins, offering patterns and
textures to help you create a unique look for nearly any image. The bold
textures and color combinations of the Abstract Muslins give a contemporary
impression that’s ideal for senior and student portraits, among others.
The muslins are available in 10x20-foot sizes for all of your photographic
needs.

Specializing in custom scenic backgrounds, Backgrounds by Cole has announced
its Blocks and Leaf background, painted on 10x10-foot muslin and available
in a variety of color schemes. The company also features a large selection
of scenic and cloudscape backgrounds on canvas and muslin.

“We have been very pleased with the friendly and professional service
we've gotten from Backgrounds by Cole. We love their variety, both traditional
and contemporary, and how they work with us to create any special background
we need. Plus, they’re economically priced and deliver on time.”—RJ & Joyce
Harwick R. J. Harwick Photography, Emmaus, PA

Backgrounds by Maheu introduces its Signature designs and Abstract Scenic series.
Inspired by artists such as Monet, Turner, and Gainsborough, these backgrounds
lend a fine-art look to your portraits. Each background is custom-painted to
the specifications of the photographer, incorporating his or her signature
style.

Digital Anarchy’s Backdrop Designer is a Photoshop plug-in that creates
resolution-independent digital backdrops that simulate muslin drapery and
other fabrics. Backdrop Designer 1.1 currently ships 900+ pre-made, combinable
backdrops. An October 1 release of version 1.2 will give existing users a
new package of backdrop presets. The 250 new presets include Old Masters
patterns, Impressionist painterly effects, and Velvet drapery folds. Version
2.0 of Backdrop Designer is planned for Q4 2006.

"Backdrop Designer allows tremendous flexibility and creativity. Clients
don’t have to make a decision during the shoot regarding the backdrop
they feel will complement the photos, and I don’t have to carry around
dozens of muslins. We can tweak the backdrop color afterward to match the client’s
décor or mat choice in our framing process." —Diane McCormick
McCardinal Photo, Boston, MA

Variety is the name of the game at FJ Westcott, which offers muslin sheet backgrounds
in 10x12-foot and 10x24-foot sizes, in 21 different colors. Washables are available
in the same sizes in 17 different dazzling hues. Collapsible backdrops are
ready for your scenic shots in 5x6-foot and 6x7-foot sizes, with reversibles
an option in 5x6. A handy background support system for the sheets and a collapsible
background stand for the collapsibles make setup easy during a busy shoot.

The Charis Drape is one of the Grand Manner Studio’s most popular backgrounds.
The company provides backgrounds, oil retouching, and studio wall painting
to professional photographers, with an eye toward becoming a one-stop art
resource for its growing customer base.